CHICAGO — Legislators met Thursday to discuss economic equity, access, and opportunity for Black communities as the third pillar of a larger agenda to address the deep injustices facing Black Illinoisans. State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) stated the need for more affordable housing as a primary implementable step.

“Black Americans have suffered economic disparities for centuries,” Hunter said. “We never received our 40 acres and a mule, and the loss of generational wealth in addition to the effects of segregation and housing discrimination have further devastated our communities, not to mention COVID-19 more recently.”

While living in The Republic of South Africa from 1994-1996 I will never forget the day I met President Nelson and Winnie Mandela while visiting Parliament. The excitement and electricity ran through my body as we greeted another with a hand shake. It was a short amount of time, but I will always cherish that moment. I was in the country on invitation by the South African National Council on Alcohol and Drugs in partnership with the South African Black Social Workers Association to help educate, promote awareness and train South African social workers on alcohol and drug prevention. Watching daily the transformation of this country from a segregated society as a result of apartheid to the integration into mainstream society was the most fascinating experience in my life.

New loan program should open doors for greater diversity in state projects

Efforts to increase minority contractor participation in state projects took a step forward this week when the Illinois Senate approved the financing for a new loan program crucial to the diversity push.

“The people who build state roads and buildings should be as diverse as the people using them,” said State Senator Mattie Hunter, a Chicago Democrat and the driving force behind the program.

State Senator Mattie Hunter was honored recently for her efforts toward establishing equality for all in regards to business and employment opportunities. Hunter was named the 2013 recipient of the Illinois Black Chamber of Commerce's Parren J. Mitchell Outstanding Service Award.

"I am honored to have been given the Mitchell Award because of what this award and its namesake represent," Hunter said. "Having had the pleasure of meeting Congressman Mitchell on numerous occasions as a congressional intern in Washington D.C. for Congressman Ralph H. Metcalfe, I have great admiration for Mr. Mitchell and know firsthand that this award named on his behalf stands for commitment to opening doors for minorities."